GA11 Incumbent Rep. Barry Loudermilk

Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R) currently represents residents of Georgia’s 11th Congressional district (GA11) in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Loudermilk is running against challenger Flynn D. Broady (D) in the November 6, 2018 midterm election.

No position statement on climate change

Loudermilk does not have a position statement on climate change.

He has made statements that contradict the scientific consensus on climate change and denounce environmental efforts and regulations:

I believe that climate change is a function of nature; the climate has been changing as long as the Earth has existed,” he said. “We absolutely should be good stewards of the planet, and I am very much opposed to reckless pollution and disregard for the environment, but I also know that some politicians and bureaucrats believe in whatever theory gives them an opportunity to take money from the energy sector and spend it themselves in the name of saving the planet.

Loudermilk is against government subsidies to develop wind and solar energy solutions, and supports advancing the development of nuclear energy.

Supports exiting the Paris Agreement

In June 2017, Loudermilksupported the White House’s decision to exit the Paris Agreement:

Regardless of how good something may be, government officials are bound by the Constitution, and policies that place restrictions on Americans cannot be unilaterally imposed by one branch of government. The Paris Agreement essentially functions as a treaty, and should have been brought to the Senate for open discussion and consideration. Instead, our former president unilaterally made the decision without lawmakers’ input or support.

The damaging ramifications of this deal weren’t properly evaluated, and now it’s taking away jobs from hardworking Americans. A free economy is the best way to work towards promoting job creation and economic prosperity, along with stewarding our God-given resources and environment. President Trump is making the right decision withdrawing from the Paris Agreement on climate change, and I fully support his decision.

NOTE: Loudermilk’s claim that the Paris Agreement harms U.S. jobs and the economy mirrors White House claims, but is not supported by evidence. It is in stark contrast to what many business leaders, including those in the oil and gas industry, state—that exiting the agreement will cost the U.S. clean energy jobs as the rest of the world moves forward to reduce carbon pollution.

Loudermilk expresses anti-regulation stance at candidate forum

Loudermilk discusses the EPA and regulations in response to a climate question asked during the May 1, 2018 Candidate Forum by Farm Bureau and Commerce Chamber.